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In the past week, the media have been paying substantially more attention to both the attacks on workers' rights and to AFSCME members' efforts to fight back against those attacks. Today's edition of the Battleground Bulletin attempts to show the sheer number of places in which this battle is being waged.
Anti-Worker Politicians Keep Pushing More Bad Ideas. . .
In Oklahoma, a state House committee passed a bill that would repeal collective bargaining rights for local government employees by a 9-7 vote. The bill now moves to the full House.
In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie introduced “slash and burn budget proposal” that will hurt Garden State families. AFSCME members are fighting back to protect public services.
In Indiana, even as Democrats blocked consideration of "Right-to-Work-for-Less" legislation in the House by leaving the state, the State Senate passed a bill restricting teachers' collective bargaining rights by a 30-19 vote.
Thanks to our loyal readers for sending in news tips to battleground@afscme.org. Keep them coming!
. . .But Workers Just Keep Pushing Back Harder
By our count there have been at least 55 solidarity rallies in support of workers' rights held in cities from coast to coast over the past week, and AFSCME members continue to turn out to lead the response to anti-worker bills and budgets that would put public services at risk.
In Massachusetts, AFSCME members were joined by Governor Deval Patrick and U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano at a rally in front of the Statehouse in support of Wisconsin workers.
In Minnesota, AFSCME led a rally of thousands in St. Paul to support Wisconsin workers. Governor Mark Dayton joined the rally to pledge his solidarity with Wisconsin workers and his support for Minnesota workers.
In New Mexico, AFSCME members rallied at the Roundhouse to show their solidarity with Wisconsin workers and to shine light on the challenges ahead for workers in New Mexico.
Please keep sending reports on events in your state, and make sure to report on recent and upcoming activities at the Standing Up for Public Service facebook page!
Must Read
As we have reported, budget battles are raging on many fronts. While protests grow in the states, the GOP-controlled U.S. House is insisting on steep and harmful budget cuts that could force the federal government to shut down in a matter of days:
Michael A. Fletcher and Brady Dennis, The Washington Post, 2/23/2011
Felicia Sonmez and Paul Kane, The Washington Post, 2/23/2011
Song of the Day
The band Dropkick Murphys has released an advance stream of their new song “Take ‘Em Down” in support of the thousands of Wisconsin union workers who are protesting the governor’s budget plan. The song is available on the band’s website.
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